A Different Leaguehttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk
Premier League Football News and AnalysisThu, 21 Mar 2019 12:11:13 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.91Iker Casillas signs new FC Porto deal and will end playing career with clubhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/iker-casillas-signs-new-fc-porto-deal-and-will-end-playing-career-with-club/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/iker-casillas-signs-new-fc-porto-deal-and-will-end-playing-career-with-club/#respondThu, 21 Mar 2019 08:45:52 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130538Iker Casillas has signed a new contract with FC Porto which he says will see him end his professional career with the club. The 167-time capped Spain international goalkeeper will turn 38 in May and his new deal – one year plus an option for another – could take him to the age of 40, when Casillas says he will retire. Casillas has been with Porto since 2015, having spent the entirety of his career until that point with Real Madrid. He has continued to impress this season, with Porto…

]]>Iker Casillas has signed a new contract with FC Porto which he says will see him end his professional career with the club.

The 167-time capped Spain international goalkeeper will turn 38 in May and his new deal – one year plus an option for another – could take him to the age of 40, when Casillas says he will retire.

Casillas has been with Porto since 2015, having spent the entirety of his career until that point with Real Madrid.

He has continued to impress this season, with Porto level on points with Primeira Liga leaders Benfica with eight games remaining and also through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they will face Liverpool.

Casillas said: “Today is a very special day. I feel at home at this club. I want to stay here until I finish my career as a footballer.”

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/iker-casillas-signs-new-fc-porto-deal-and-will-end-playing-career-with-club/feed/0130538Rayo Vallecano reappoint Paco Jemez to stave off relegation threathttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/rayo-vallecano-reappoint-paco-jemez-to-stave-off-relegation-threat/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/rayo-vallecano-reappoint-paco-jemez-to-stave-off-relegation-threat/#respondThu, 21 Mar 2019 08:41:21 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130533Paco Jemez has returned for a second spell in charge of Rayo Vallecano as the LaLiga club bid to avoid relegation. Michel was sacked by Rayo on Monday after seven straight defeats left them 19th in the table, six points adrift of safety. And with 10 games left after the international break, Rayo have turned back to Jemez by handing their former coach a deal that runs until June 2020. OFICIAL | Paco Jémez nuevo entrenador del Rayo Vallecano hasta el 30 de junio de 2020.La presentación oficial tendrá lugar…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/rayo-vallecano-reappoint-paco-jemez-to-stave-off-relegation-threat/feed/0130533Barcelona prepare €50m bid to sign Luka Jovic from Eintracht Frankfurthttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/barcelona-prepare-e50m-bid-to-sign-luka-jovic-from-eintracht-frankfurt/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/barcelona-prepare-e50m-bid-to-sign-luka-jovic-from-eintracht-frankfurt/#respondThu, 21 Mar 2019 08:36:11 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130529Barcelona are preparing a bid of €50m (£43m) to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic, according to a new report. The Serbia striker has scored 15 goals in 24 Bundesliga games while adding a further seven strikes in the Europa League on Eintracht’s way to the quarter-finals. The 21-year-old is on loan at Eintracht from Benfica but the German club have already agreed to sign him permanently at the end of this season. They want €65-€70m for the striker if he leaves this summer. The report says Barcelona have been…

]]>Barcelona are preparing a bid of €50m (£43m) to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic, according to a new report.

The Serbia striker has scored 15 goals in 24 Bundesliga games while adding a further seven strikes in the Europa League on Eintracht’s way to the quarter-finals.

The 21-year-old is on loan at Eintracht from Benfica but the German club have already agreed to sign him permanently at the end of this season. They want €65-€70m for the striker if he leaves this summer.

The report says Barcelona have been interested in the Serbia striker who starred in his country’s 1-1 draw against Germany on Tuesday in Wolfsburg for quite some time.

Ramón Planes and Eric Abidal watched him in action against Internazionale last week when he scored the only goal of the game as Eintracht went through to the last eight of the Europa League, where they face Benfica.

Barcelona have already signed the Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong for €75m and the Toulouse defender Jean Clair Todibo on a free.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/barcelona-prepare-e50m-bid-to-sign-luka-jovic-from-eintracht-frankfurt/feed/0130529Will Zidane make Real Madrid a force again?https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/will-zidane-make-real-madrid-a-force-again/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/will-zidane-make-real-madrid-a-force-again/#respondWed, 20 Mar 2019 14:58:47 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130526There was widespread surprise amongst residents of planet football in March as Frenchman Zinedine Zidane announced he would return as manager of Real Madrid just 10 months after leaving the La Liga kingpins. The former player walked in May of last year after guiding Blancos to a third straight Champions League trophy, but the club has struggled to find success following the Frenchman’s departure and were delighted to see him sign a deal that would keep him in charge until 2022. Zidane arrives at the Bernabeu with the 33-time Spanish…

]]>There was widespread surprise amongst residents of planet football in March as Frenchman Zinedine Zidane announced he would return as manager of Real Madrid just 10 months after leaving the La Liga kingpins.

The former player walked in May of last year after guiding Blancos to a third straight Champions League trophy, but the club has struggled to find success following the Frenchman’s departure and were delighted to see him sign a deal that would keep him in charge until 2022.

Zidane arrives at the Bernabeu with the 33-time Spanish top-flight champions stuck third in La Liga, having failed to win 11 of their first 27 matches, sitting a dozen points behind a Barcelona side who look well on their way to defending the title they won last year at a canter. Madrid are also out of the Champions League – smashed 5-3 on aggregate by Dutch club Ajax at the Round of 16 stage – meaning there will be no historic quadruple.

Drastic measures were called for and the board will be thankful they were able to persuade Zidane to return to the helm but there’s no doubts it would’ve taken strong promises to get their man, including a serious cash-injection needed to overhaul the underperforming squad.

Zidane has already spoken to the press about the players he wants to keep but the 46-year-old World Cup winner is holding his cards close to his chest regarding potential targets and the men he’d like to recruit this summer to push Real back towards the top of La Liga. That has left the gossip columns and tabloid newspapers free to make assumptions, sometimes fair, wild on most occasions.

One man who has been strongly linked to Real Madrid in the summer is Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard. Bad news for followers of The Blues. 28-year-old Belgian has been making headlines on the back of standout performances for the London club and it appears he is one of many who has caught the eye of Zidane during his time away from management.

Many respected sports columns would have us believe a move is in the pipeline with Madrid ready to test Chelsea’s resolve with a big money bid. Major UK bookmakers, including Coral, have slashed the betting odds on Hazard joining Real Madrid and punters can act early to secure a share of the value. Those looking for a bit of a safety net can back him to join any Spanish club which, surely, covers Real Madrid and Barcelona if the two were to be dragged into a war.

With £300m thought to be in the coffers, could Zidane be tempted to spend a large portion of that on wonderkid Kylian Mbappe? The 20-year-old striking sensation from Paris is thought to be the brightest prospect in the game and with employers PSG making their mark on the transfer market with the record signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid, the Spaniards could send out a real signal of intent by splashing the cash to return the favour.

With Madrid scoring 22 goals less than Barcelona after 27 league matches, it’s obvious they are in need of firepower for the coming season. If not Mbappe, then who?

Man City goal machine Raheem Sterling could be the answer and as the England attacker hasn’t always been afforded the respect he believes he deserves by the English press, and even sections of The Cityzens support over the years, it’s safe to say he would give any transfer serious consideration.

If Madrid were to make a move for young-guns Mbappe or Sterling, it would require serious financial clout to make the players’ current employers sit up and take note but getting either on the books would be a real statement of intent by Zidane and the board.

Real have already moved for Porto defender Eder Militao, tying the Brazilian down until 2025 when activating a 50m euros buy-out clause written into his contract. That made Madrid fans take note and showed Zidane is serious about improving the squad and the board intend on backing him. It just goes to show, you never know what you’ve got until its gone. Real will be relieved they’ve got a second chance from Zidane.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/will-zidane-make-real-madrid-a-force-again/feed/0130526Is it time for Chelsea to sack Maurizio Sarri?https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/is-it-time-for-chelsea-to-sack-maurizio-sarri/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/is-it-time-for-chelsea-to-sack-maurizio-sarri/#respondMon, 18 Mar 2019 16:10:57 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130521Chelsea were once again defeated in the Premier League on Sunday by Everton for 2-0. Maurizio Sarri said that his team has reached a ‘limit’ and in fact, this could be true in lots of different ways. The Italian boss was probably thinking about the different in his side’s first and second half performance. He also said that in the first 45 minutes he saw the best performance of the season while in the second half his side had a ‘recurrent’ mental block. But will the limit he was talking…

]]>Chelsea were once again defeated in the Premier League on Sunday by Everton for 2-0. Maurizio Sarri said that his team has reached a ‘limit’ and in fact, this could be true in lots of different ways.

The Italian boss was probably thinking about the different in his side’s first and second half performance. He also said that in the first 45 minutes he saw the best performance of the season while in the second half his side had a ‘recurrent’ mental block. But will the limit he was talking about also apply to his capabilities as a manager: after all it is not the first time that Sarri is referring to his team’s mentality to explain disappointing defeats.

And would this limit exclude Chelsea from the Premier League top four which means they would need to win the Europa League to take part to next year’s Champions League?

After all the defeat suffered at Goodison Park was the fourth away defeat in the last five games. Add to that Marco Silva’s men had not beaten a top 6 side since January 2017. Once again Chelsea were utterly unable to respond after they went behind.

The defeat is leaving Sarri’s men in 6th position in the Premier League, three points adrift Arsenal and with more questions about the manager itself. According to BestBettingsites.online Chelsea are now 2/1 to finish in the top 4 while Arsenal are at 8/15, Man Utd at 5/4 and Tottenham 1/2.

What’s the problem?

Sarri said that his men produced a second-half performance which was inexplicable. The numbers tell us that their poor away form it is costing them the top 4 placement: Chelsea seem to be not capable of turning matches around when they go behind on the road.

Is Maurizio Sarri the right man?

Chelsea have seen 10 permanent managers since Roman Abramovich bought the club. Sarri has criticised his players’ mentality already this season even singling out Hazard at some point even though he has taken part in 48% of Chelsea’s goals in the Premier League.

It is likely the former investment banker will keep his position until the end of the season also helped by a run in the Europa League which could provide a backdoor route to the Champions League, if they will win it. In normal circumstances, Sarri would be hoping to make it to the summer and then try to add some stronger characters to his team to improve the mental slide in the most challenging matches. But there is a big problem in this plan: Chelsea have a two-year transfer ban which if it will not be revoked is not going to allow them to move on with things.

On a positive note, tough Sarri will have the services of £58m winger Pulisic and others 40 players that are currently on loan. It has to be considered though that Hazard might be tempted to move to Real Madrid and Callum Hudson-Odoi could go to Bayern Munich after handing in a transfer request last January due to lack of playing time.

All things considered, it might be simpler to try another manager who might be able to galvanise the current team in ways that Sarri hasn’t been able to.

It is clear however that Sarri hasn’t given up hopes as yet. He said that if the team plays like in the first half, then they shouldn’t have problems to secure a top 4 spot. After all, he said they need to recover only 3 points against Arsenal and he believes it is not impossible. He is however worried about Chelsea mentality which is an ongoing issue. Whatever is the problem time for Sarri is clearly running out fast.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/is-it-time-for-chelsea-to-sack-maurizio-sarri/feed/0130521Cristiano Ronaldo charged with improper conduct for Atletico celebrationhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/cristiano-ronaldo-charged-with-improper-conduct-for-atletico-celebration/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/cristiano-ronaldo-charged-with-improper-conduct-for-atletico-celebration/#respondMon, 18 Mar 2019 12:47:04 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130516Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo is facing disciplinary action for his celebration after one of the three goals he scored in last week’s 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. Uefa said the Portuguese would face a hearing on Thursday for “improper conduct” during the last-16 second leg match, where Juventus completed a 3-2 aggregate win. Ronaldo made a similar gesture to Atletico coach Diego Simeone, who celebrated his team’s opening goal in the first leg by turning to the crowd and putting his hands on his trousers. Simeone was fined €20,000 for…

]]>Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo is facing disciplinary action for his celebration after one of the three goals he scored in last week’s 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.

Uefa said the Portuguese would face a hearing on Thursday for “improper conduct” during the last-16 second leg match, where Juventus completed a 3-2 aggregate win.

Ronaldo made a similar gesture to Atletico coach Diego Simeone, who celebrated his team’s opening goal in the first leg by turning to the crowd and putting his hands on his trousers.

Simeone was fined €20,000 for the incident but escaped a touchline ban for the return match. Juventus face Ajax in their quarter-final.

A statement confirmed: “Following a disciplinary investigation conducted by a Uefa ethics and disciplinary inspector, in accordance with the Article 55 of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations, disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the Champions League round of 16 match between Juventus and Atlético Madrid.”

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/cristiano-ronaldo-charged-with-improper-conduct-for-atletico-celebration/feed/0130516FA Cup semi-final draw: Brighton face Manchester City, Watford v Wolveshttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/fa-cup-semi-final-draw-brighton-face-manchester-city-watford-v-wolves/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/fa-cup-semi-final-draw-brighton-face-manchester-city-watford-v-wolves/#respondMon, 18 Mar 2019 09:38:17 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130510Manchester City were paired with Brighton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, while Watford will face Wolves following the draw, which was made immediately after Brighton’s penalty shootout defeat of Millwall on Sunday. City came from two goals down to defeat Championship side Swansea 3-2 on Saturday, and Brighton overcame Millwall on penalties on Sunday. Watford, runners-up in 1984, will play four-time winners Wolves, in their first semi-final since 1998, in the other all-Premier League tie. When Brighton reached the 1983 FA Cup final – the only time the club has reached the final in its…

]]>Manchester City were paired with Brighton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, while Watford will face Wolves following the draw, which was made immediately after Brighton’s penalty shootout defeat of Millwall on Sunday.

City came from two goals down to defeat Championship side Swansea 3-2 on Saturday, and Brighton overcame Millwall on penalties on Sunday.

Watford, runners-up in 1984, will play four-time winners Wolves, in their first semi-final since 1998, in the other all-Premier League tie.

When Brighton reached the 1983 FA Cup final – the only time the club has reached the final in its history – they beat City in the fourth round en route to Wembley.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/fa-cup-semi-final-draw-brighton-face-manchester-city-watford-v-wolves/feed/0130510Monchi returns to Sevilla as sporting directorhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/monchi-returns-to-sevilla-as-sporting-director/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/monchi-returns-to-sevilla-as-sporting-director/#respondMon, 18 Mar 2019 09:20:48 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130506Monchi has returned to Sevilla for a second spell as the club’s general sporting director, despite reports linking him with a role at Arsenal. Monchi left his role as Roma’s technical director this month following the sacking of Eusebio Di Francesco and his backroom staff. Newspaper reports had claimed he was a contender to replace Sven Mslintat as Arsenal’s head of recruitment due to his existing relationship with Gunners manager Unai Emery, but the Spaniard has chosen to return to La Liga after his two years in Italy. Solo eso….. que…

]]>Monchi has returned to Sevilla for a second spell as the club’s general sporting director, despite reports linking him with a role at Arsenal.

Monchi left his role as Roma’s technical director this month following the sacking of Eusebio Di Francesco and his backroom staff.

Newspaper reports had claimed he was a contender to replace Sven Mslintat as Arsenal’s head of recruitment due to his existing relationship with Gunners manager Unai Emery, but the Spaniard has chosen to return to La Liga after his two years in Italy.

The dismissal of Sevilla’s head coach Pablo Machin, after the Europa League exit in midweek, has seen director of football Joaquin Caparros take charge of the first team, and Sevilla president Jose Castro confirmed on Friday that the club had spoken with Monchi about the vacant position.

Monchi left Sevilla for Roma in April 2017, bringing an end to a 17-year period where the La Liga side won 11 trophies, including three Europa League titles.

The Spaniard has a strong reputation in the transfer market and is credited with organising a number of lucrative purchases and sales of players including Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos and Ivan Rakitic.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/monchi-returns-to-sevilla-as-sporting-director/feed/0130506Sevilla sack manager Pablo Machin after disappointing Europa exithttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/sevilla-sack-manager-pablo-machin-after-disappointing-europa-exit/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/sevilla-sack-manager-pablo-machin-after-disappointing-europa-exit/#respondMon, 18 Mar 2019 09:16:01 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130501Sevilla have sacked manager Pablo Machin, a day after they were dramatically knocked out of the Europa League by Slavia Prague. The five-time Europa League winners suffered a 4-3 defeat in the Czech Republic, thanks to Ibrahim Traore’s extra-time goal in the 119th minute, which saw them lose 6-5 on aggregate. Machin, 43, joined from Girona in May. Sevilla blamed “a string of poor results in past weeks” for his dismissal after 10 months. The club are sixth in La Liga, five points off the Champions League places. Since Unai Emery left…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/sevilla-sack-manager-pablo-machin-after-disappointing-europa-exit/feed/0130501Arsenal play Napoli and Chelsea face Slavia Prague in Europa League quarter-finalshttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/arsenal-play-napoli-and-chelsea-face-slavia-prague-in-europa-league-quarter-finals/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/arsenal-play-napoli-and-chelsea-face-slavia-prague-in-europa-league-quarter-finals/#respondFri, 15 Mar 2019 17:19:10 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130497Arsenal have been drawn against Napoli, while Chelsea will face Slavia Prague in the Europa League quarter-finals. Villarreal take on fellow Spanish side Valencia with Portuguese team Benfica playing Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt. The first and second legs will be played on 11 April and 18 April, with the semi-final draw keeping Arsenal and Chelsea apart should they get that far. Arsenal boss Unai Emery is chasing a fourth Europa League title as manager after three successive wins at Sevilla. The Gunners reached the last-eight after overturning a 3-1 deficit to…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/arsenal-play-napoli-and-chelsea-face-slavia-prague-in-europa-league-quarter-finals/feed/0130497Tottenham face Manchester City in Champions League quarter-finalshttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/tottenham-face-manchester-city-in-champions-league-quarter-finals/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/tottenham-face-manchester-city-in-champions-league-quarter-finals/#respondFri, 15 Mar 2019 17:06:01 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130493Tottenham will play Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, while Manchester United have been drawn against Barcelona. Last year’s beaten finalists Liverpool will play Porto, and Ajax will face Juventus in the other ties. The semi-final draw was also made and Manchester United will meet Liverpool if both win their last-eight ties. The quarter-final first legs take place on 9 April and 10 April. The semi-finals start on 30 April and 1 May. City and United were both drawn away in the first leg of their ties, but they…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/tottenham-face-manchester-city-in-champions-league-quarter-finals/feed/0130493Real Madrid sign Brazilian defender Eder Militao from Porto for €50mhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/real-madrid-sign-brazilian-defender-eder-militao-from-porto-for-e50m/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/real-madrid-sign-brazilian-defender-eder-militao-from-porto-for-e50m/#respondThu, 14 Mar 2019 14:35:20 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130488Real Madrid have agreed to sign defender Eder Militao from Porto at the end of the season for his buy-out clause of €50m. Both clubs announced the move on Thursday and the Spanish club say the 21-year-old Brazil international will sign a contract until 2025 with them. The centre-back is Real Madrid’s first signing following the return of Zinedine Zidane as manager. Militao, who has won one cap for Brazil, began with his hometown club São Paulo before moving to Porto in August 2018. This season he has helped the Portuguese champions reach the quarter-finals…

The centre-back is Real Madrid’s first signing following the return of Zinedine Zidane as manager.

Militao, who has won one cap for Brazil, began with his hometown club São Paulo before moving to Porto in August 2018. This season he has helped the Portuguese champions reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League with victory over Roma at the last-16 stage.

A statement on the club website read: “Real Madrid CF and FC Porto have agreed the transfer of the player Éder Militão, who will be linked to the club during the next six seasons, until June 30, 2025.”

Real Madrid acted quickly to meet a buyout clause which was set to rise by 50% at the end of the season.

The Brazilian centre-back can also play at right-back and as a defensive midfielder.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/real-madrid-sign-brazilian-defender-eder-militao-from-porto-for-e50m/feed/0130488Bernardo Silva extends Manchester City contract until summer of 2025https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/bernardo-silva-extends-manchester-city-contract-until-summer-of-2025/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/bernardo-silva-extends-manchester-city-contract-until-summer-of-2025/#respondThu, 14 Mar 2019 10:46:56 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130482Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has agreed to a new three-year contract extension with the Premier League champions. The deal means Silva is now committed to City until 2025 after joining from Monaco in a £43m deal two years ago. The Portuguese 24-year-old has scored five goals and picked up six assists in the Premier League this season. 🔥 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ 🔥 🔵 #mancity pic.twitter.com/HagWIwntue — Manchester City (@ManCity) March 13, 2019 He joins teammates Raheem Sterling, Aymeric Laporte and Phil Foden in committing to City long term. Silva’s ninth goal of the…

He joins teammates Raheem Sterling, Aymeric Laporte and Phil Foden in committing to City long term.

Silva’s ninth goal of the season in all competitions came in City’s 7-0 demolition of Schalke in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday evening.

He has made 29 appearances in the league already this season, proving to be one of Pep Guardiola’s key men as Manchester City chase back-to-back Premier League titles.

Silva previously won league titles in Portugal with Benfica and then in France with Monaco before making the move to England.

The 24-year-old has also won 33 international caps as a regular in Portugal’s side and is expected to be included in the squad for his country’s Euro 2020 qualification double-header against Ukraine and Serbia later this month.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/bernardo-silva-extends-manchester-city-contract-until-summer-of-2025/feed/0130482Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele faces up to one month out with injuryhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/barcelonas-ousmane-dembele-faces-up-to-one-month-out-with-injury/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/barcelonas-ousmane-dembele-faces-up-to-one-month-out-with-injury/#respondThu, 14 Mar 2019 10:37:58 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130478Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele faces up to a month out with a hamstring injury sustained against Lyon, it has been confirmed. A report in Diario Sport claimed the Frenchman suffered pain in the femoral biceps of his left leg after netting in Wednesday’s 5-1 Round of 16 victory. The 21-year-old replaced Philippe Coutinho with 20 minutes remaining having not made the starting XI due to a fitness concern sustained against Rayo Vallecano four days earlier. Dembele did not celebrate his goal due to the pain but still completed the final…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/barcelonas-ousmane-dembele-faces-up-to-one-month-out-with-injury/feed/0130478Solskjaer edges nearer and nearer towards full time United jobhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/solskjaer-edges-nearer-and-nearer-towards-full-time-united-job/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/solskjaer-edges-nearer-and-nearer-towards-full-time-united-job/#respondTue, 12 Mar 2019 16:25:24 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130476When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as Man Utd caretaker manager following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho back in December, opinion was divided. The United faithful were ecstatic to have a club legend back at Old Trafford, but many neutrals argued that Solskjaer’s sole foray into management in England had been little short of disastrous. The Norwegian had been sacked from Cardiff following the Bluebirds’ relegation from the Premier League back in 2014, lasting just a few games into the Championship campaign before his dismissal. He returned to Molde –…

]]>When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as Man Utd caretaker manager following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho back in December, opinion was divided. The United faithful were ecstatic to have a club legend back at Old Trafford, but many neutrals argued that Solskjaer’s sole foray into management in England had been little short of disastrous. The Norwegian had been sacked from Cardiff following the Bluebirds’ relegation from the Premier League back in 2014, lasting just a few games into the Championship campaign before his dismissal. He returned to Molde – a club he had both played for and managed before – and his previous success was duplicated. It seemed fair enough to assume that the 46-year-old had little at risk by taking the job with the Red Devils, with seemingly little to play for after a lacklustre start to the campaign under the Portuguese boss.

However, Solskjaer has once again proven himself red through and through, re-instating a sense of enjoyment among the playing staff. That new approach translated well onto the pitch, with United going on a wonderful run of form which had seen them losing only once – at home against PSG in the Champions League. That deficit was overturned in the reverse fixture in Paris in miraculous fashion, offering memories reminiscent of United’s greatest comeback one night in Barcelona 20 years ago – a comeback in which Solskjaer, ironically, scored the winner to deliver United’s first European title since 1968. Honestly, you will find new casinos almost every day – but none would have predicted the way that particular game finished!

That was until this weekend, when United suffered their first league defeat since losing 3-1 at Liverpool in December. They travelled to Arsenal and came up short, losing 2-0 to an Arsenal side that generally looked much the better team on the day. The thing is, this result could prove something of a blessing in disguise for the club – and particularly for their caretaker manager (though how much longer it will be before he is appointed on a permanent basis remains to be seen). The problem with an unbeaten run is that it ultimately becomes a “thing” – the longer it goes on, the more unbreakable it almost seems to be and as a result the more pressure is felt in maintaining the run. Of course, the longer the better – more points picked up means better league finishes after all – but the focus can often shift to the run itself, rather than the way in which it is being held.

United have enjoyed a few feel-good months, with their manager smiling his way through press duties in a way often associated with the man who was known – as a player – as the babyfaced assassin. Now, it could be said, the real work begins. How United bounce back from this first domestic defeat under Solskjaer’s tutelage will highlight just how tough his United side really are. Odds are he will be appointed manager on a permanent basis in the summer if not beforehand in any case, and that kind of run can not go on forever. Now that monkey is off United’s backs, work can begin in earnest to bounce back and try to bounce just that little bit higher. The race for the top four (or even the top three) looked to be steadily heading in United’s favour, but this setback blows the whole thing wide open once again.

If United can get into the top four by the end of the season Solskjaer will undoubtedly be heralded as the man the club have needed since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013, and rightly so. Some managers just seem to fit certain clubs – look at Kevin Keegan at Newcastle, Peter Reid at Sunderland and the late great Howard Kendall at Everton. It is still early days, but Solskjaer seems to fit that bill at United, though it could also be argued that Cardiff is the only blip on his entire managerial career to date.

If United can get back to winning ways quickly, putting their “lowest moment” to bed quickly, then Solskjaer and co. have every chance of seriously threatening Champions League qualification at the end of the season – and if the powers-that-be at Old Trafford do not offer him the job permanently at that stage, they will surely face backlash.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/solskjaer-edges-nearer-and-nearer-towards-full-time-united-job/feed/0130476Guardiola plans Gundogan renewalhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/guardiola-plans-gundogan-renewal/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/guardiola-plans-gundogan-renewal/#respondTue, 12 Mar 2019 16:02:45 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130474Man City manager Pep Guardiola has indicated his desire to keep Ilkay Gundogan at the club beyond the end of his current contract, which expires next year. The Germany international refused to commit his future to the Citizens, admitting he could be tempted by challenges elsewhere when his current deal is finished. He did also imply that he is happy at the club, however – and so the former Barcelona boss is seemingly no closer to knowing whether to plan for life without Gundogan beyond next season’s climax or not.…

]]>Man City manager Pep Guardiola has indicated his desire to keep Ilkay Gundogan at the club beyond the end of his current contract, which expires next year. The Germany international refused to commit his future to the Citizens, admitting he could be tempted by challenges elsewhere when his current deal is finished. He did also imply that he is happy at the club, however – and so the former Barcelona boss is seemingly no closer to knowing whether to plan for life without Gundogan beyond next season’s climax or not.

The 28-year-old stated that while no new deal is on the table just yet, he is presently directing his attentions to help deliver as many trophies to the Eastlands cabinet as he possibly can. Speaking at the club’s Uefa Champions League press conference, Gundogan said: “I am 28 years old, my next contract will maybe decide where I will be until the end of their career. Everyone feels different, maybe someone feels like a new challenge or to change something. I am always open-minded for challenges. It’s a personal situation. It’s not obvious but everyone has to make their own decision. “At the moment I try to play as good as possible and I guess after the season we will sit and talk again. My main target at the moment is to go for all the competitions and be successful.”

Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing after the Spaniard’s appointment at City, arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. He missed half of the following campaign after suffering knee ligament damage just before Christmas. That injury resulted in City players all wearing “Gundogan” shirts in homage to their team-mate, and he would not play again until a few weeks into the following season. With City bringing a 3-2 lead into their home clash with Schalke 04 in the Champions League on Tuesday night, they are still in the hunt for all four trophies in which they have competed in this season. Currently sitting atop the Premier League, and in the quarter-final of the FA Cup as well as having already wrapped up the Carabao Cup it seems difficult to predict just where City may falter, if anywhere.

If you are a betting man (for all the latest odds on your chosen market then click here) then the safest bet may see them faltering on the European front, but without seeing the next round draw it really is a tough one to call. One can surmise, however, that another trophy or two this season would surely see Gundogan inclined to remain in the north West – but the player has admitted that he feels no pressure to put pen to paper just yet. Speaking on the topic, Guardiola said: “I said in the press conference we would like to [extend him] but it depends on the club and him so I don’t know. Hopefully he can stay. I would prefer him to stay but at the same time I want to feel he wants to stay too.”

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/guardiola-plans-gundogan-renewal/feed/0130474Zinedine Zidane returns to coach Real Madridhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/zinedine-zidane-returns-to-coach-real-madrid/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/zinedine-zidane-returns-to-coach-real-madrid/#respondMon, 11 Mar 2019 17:39:23 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130472Zinedine Zidane has made a surprise return to coach Real Madrid less than a year after leaving the Spanish giants in the wake of one of its great European successes. The 46-year-old Frenchman led Real to three consecutive Champions League trophies during his first spell in charge at the Bernabeu but then stepped down in May 2018. Zidane replaces sacked former teammate Santiago Solari, who was promoted to the role of Real coach after Julen Lopetegui was dismissed following a poor run of form in October. https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/1105158556976861184 “Real Madrid appreciates…

Zinedine Zidane has made a surprise return to coach Real Madrid less than a year after leaving the Spanish giants in the wake of one of its great European successes.

The 46-year-old Frenchman led Real to three consecutive Champions League trophies during his first spell in charge at the Bernabeu but then stepped down in May 2018.

Zidane replaces sacked former teammate Santiago Solari, who was promoted to the role of Real coach after Julen Lopetegui was dismissed following a poor run of form in October.

https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/1105158556976861184

“Real Madrid appreciates the work done by Santiago Solari and the commitment and loyalty he has always shown to this house,” said a Real Madrid statement on Monday.

“The Board of Directors has also agreed the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of Real Madrid with immediate incorporation for the remainder of the season and the next three, until June 30, 2022.”

Zidane was already a Real legend thanks to an illustrious five-year-period as a player at the club between 2001 and 2006.

He took over as Real Madrid coach in January 2016 and made a near-immediate impact, winning the Champions League later that season.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/zinedine-zidane-returns-to-coach-real-madrid/feed/0130472Birmingham City fan jailed for pitch attack on Jack Grealishhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/birmingham-city-fan-jailed-for-pitch-attack-on-jack-grealish/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/birmingham-city-fan-jailed-for-pitch-attack-on-jack-grealish/#respondMon, 11 Mar 2019 16:05:34 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130467A Birmingham City fan has been jailed for 14 weeks for attacking Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish during the second city derby. Paul Mitchell, of Rubery, Worcestershire, hit Grealish from behind on the pitch about 10 minutes into Sunday’s game. Mitchell, 27, admitted assault and encroachment on to the pitch at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court earlier. He “cannot explain what came over him yesterday morning”, his solicitor said. “His initial foolish intention was to just go on to the pitch and whip up the crowd,” said Vaughn Whistance, defending. Mitchell, of…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/birmingham-city-fan-jailed-for-pitch-attack-on-jack-grealish/feed/0130467Why fans should concentrate on supporting their teams the traditional wayhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/why-fans-should-concentrate-on-supporting-their-teams-the-traditional-way/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/why-fans-should-concentrate-on-supporting-their-teams-the-traditional-way/#respondMon, 11 Mar 2019 10:22:47 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130464It is not a common sight. You attend a football match generally to enjoy the entertainment on display, surrounded by hundreds or thousands – depending on the size of your club’s following – of like-minded individuals all gathering together to support and cheer on your team of choice. There are the usual matchday rituals, of course – and the walk to the stadium among a sea of shirts displaying your team’s colours always gets the hairs on the back of the neck to rise a little. When the game kicks…

]]>It is not a common sight. You attend a football match generally to enjoy the entertainment on display, surrounded by hundreds or thousands – depending on the size of your club’s following – of like-minded individuals all gathering together to support and cheer on your team of choice. There are the usual matchday rituals, of course – and the walk to the stadium among a sea of shirts displaying your team’s colours always gets the hairs on the back of the neck to rise a little. When the game kicks off, it can sometimes be a lottery – sometimes your team will put the guests to the sword, other times you wonder how the players wearing the same shirt as you get paid to do so while you have to pay to watch them. Yet this – this is not a common sight.

Not once, but twice this past weekend we have seen fans run on to the field of play and lay their hands on one of the players. In both cases, it was a member of the home support running on and making contact with a visiting player. Both fans have since been arrested, and their respective clubs have pledged to ban them – one explicitly for life, the other’s sanction was a little more vague but still implied a lengthy absence. The problem is, how can anyone legislate for such an occurrence on the pitch?

If you are a betting man, then your money could wind up going down the plug based on the interference of one single individual who had no right to be where he was, laying his hands on who he did. Seriously – search for any betting websites (particularly using the search term 2019 bonus code if you want to try and grab better odds or other benefits) and you will find markets for scoreline, winners, goalscorers, even corners – but not what the chances are of a fan getting past stadium security and assaulting one of the players.

The first of these two instances, of course, occurred during the Second City Derby as Birmingham played host to Aston Villa. Jack Grealish was the Villa player unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of a shot to the back of the head from a fan who ran on to the pitch – and a vocal section of the home support actually cheered and clapped the individual as he was frogmarched from the pitch. Grealish did carry on, however – and ultimately scored the only goal of the game to give the Villans the points.

Later in that same day, an Arsenal supporter entered the field of play and shoved Man Utd defender Chris Smalling shortly after the former Fulham star conceded a penalty which ultimately gave Arsenal their second goal in the 2-0 win – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first domestic defeat as United manager. As previously mentioned, both fans were arrested and have been said to be banned. But the fact remains – there should really be no place for this kind of thing in football. It is actually ludicrous having to even say it – footballers are human beings, doing a job just like the rest of us. To be assaulted presumably for no other reason than the colour of shirt they are wearing is reprehensible. Thankfully, neither player was hurt in their respective incidents, but that is hardly the point.

The role of the supporters is to do just that – support. Actively support your own team, rather than attempting to do so by proxy in trying to hurt a member of the opposite side. Turn up, sing your heart out, buy the merchandise (of course) and even have a say in the running of the club at times, but fans should never take it upon themselves to directly influence what is going on during the match. They can try and gear up their own players and, within reason, certainly try and put off opposing players (while being careful not to sink too low on this front, naturally). But to try to have a physical hand in the match is not in the remit, and nor should it ever be. Just support your team, by all means be frustrated if things aren’t going right, and let the players do the thing. Overall, just enjoy the game – how can it be more complicated than that?

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/why-fans-should-concentrate-on-supporting-their-teams-the-traditional-way/feed/0130464New Tottenham stadium to be used competitively in first week of Aprilhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/new-tottenham-stadium-to-be-used-competitively-in-first-week-of-april/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/new-tottenham-stadium-to-be-used-competitively-in-first-week-of-april/#respondSat, 09 Mar 2019 08:26:41 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130461Tottenham will play the first competitive fixture at their new stadium in the first week of April. Spurs were scheduled to move to the new White Hart Lane stadium in September but construction has been delayed. Who their first opponents are hinges on Brighton’s FA Cup campaign. If Brighton beat Millwall in the FA Cup on 17 March, Crystal Palace will be Spurs’ visitors on 3 April, but if the Seagulls are knocked out, they will be the opposition on 6 or 7 April. New Stadium: Test Event Matches and…

Tottenham said they have worked with the Premier League, Brighton and Palace to ensure the first competitive fixture at the stadium will be a league encounter.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has said he expects to play their Champions League quarter-final home leg at the venue on 9/10 or 16/17 April, following the draw on 15 March.

Prior to getting the green light for competitive matches, Spurs said in a statement that two test events “with increasing levels of attendance” must be staged “in order to achieve a formal safety certificate”.

An under-18s fixture with Southampton on 24 March will allow for a capacity of around 30,000, before a legends match on 30 March will see around 45,000 fans admitted to the venue.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/new-tottenham-stadium-to-be-used-competitively-in-first-week-of-april/feed/0130461Roma appoint Claudio Ranieri eight days after Fulham sackhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/roma-appoint-claudio-ranieri-eight-days-after-fulham-sack/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/roma-appoint-claudio-ranieri-eight-days-after-fulham-sack/#respondFri, 08 Mar 2019 16:15:37 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130458Former Leicester and Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has been appointed Roma manager until the end of the season. Ranieri, 67, was sacked by Fulham eight days ago after winning three of his 17 games in charge. But the Roma fan – who managed the club between 2009 and 2011 – has been handed a quick return to management, replacing Eusebio di Francesco. “I’m delighted to be coming back home,” Ranieri said on Friday. “When Roma call you, it’s impossible to say no.” OFFICIAL | 📝 | Claudio Ranieri takes charge at #ASRoma More…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/roma-appoint-claudio-ranieri-eight-days-after-fulham-sack/feed/0130458Aguero picks up Premier League player of the month award for Februaryhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/aguero-picks-up-premier-league-player-of-the-month-award-for-february/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/aguero-picks-up-premier-league-player-of-the-month-award-for-february/#respondFri, 08 Mar 2019 15:44:18 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130456Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has picked up the Premier League’s player of the month award, after a string of standout performances in February. The Argentine centre-forward managed to score seven goals during a great month for the English champions, which saw them return to the top of the table ahead of Liverpool. Aguero hit a hat-trick against Arsenal at the start of February before securing another treble during a 6-0 demolition of Chelsea and scoring the winner in a narrow victory against West Ham. Guardiola’s side have finally seized the initiative in this year’s title race after chasing Liverpool for much…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/aguero-picks-up-premier-league-player-of-the-month-award-for-february/feed/0130456Ecstasy in Paris Has Luke Sure Solskjaer Will Get the Jobhttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/ecstasy-in-paris-has-luke-sure-solskjaer-will-get-the-job/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/ecstasy-in-paris-has-luke-sure-solskjaer-will-get-the-job/#respondFri, 08 Mar 2019 14:01:46 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130451If it were up to Manchester United’s left-back Luke Shaw, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would immediately be awarded the job at Old Trafford on a full-time basis. Shaw was speaking after what can only be described as pandemonium in Paris as Manchester United pulled off one of the great escapes and gave their supporters a night in France’s capital that they will never forget. The 23-year-old is ‘certain’ that Solskjaer will get the job and in all honesty, Shaw probably speaks for everyone in the footballing world. Few things convince the…

]]>If it were up to Manchester United’s left-back Luke Shaw, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would immediately be awarded the job at Old Trafford on a full-time basis. Shaw was speaking after what can only be described as pandemonium in Paris as Manchester United pulled off one of the great escapes and gave their supporters a night in France’s capital that they will never forget.

The 23-year-old is ‘certain’ that Solskjaer will get the job and in all honesty, Shaw probably speaks for everyone in the footballing world. Few things convince the hierarchy at a club who are looking for a permanent manager like masterminding a win on foreign soil on a Champions League night.

It’s probably fair to say that the majority of the United support would have even handed Solskjaer the keys to the manager’s office for next season even before kickoff at the Parc des Princes. On the flight over to France, Solskjaer’s record read 16 games, 13 wins, two draws and one defeat. Upon takeoff from Charles de Gaulle after the match, not only had the 45-year-old added another win to that column but he had also overseen the slaying of the largest of French giants.

This was always a match that was hard to call, given that Solskjaer had built his reputation on astonishing comebacks on the football field. No one was quite sure how it would play out, though, as there had already been a few surprises in the round of 16 the night before and really, at least one English team should have been eliminated in the week.

Eagle-eyed punters that were looking for the best football tips of the day when Tottenham traveled to Germany, would have seen the pros at betconnect call it correctly that Spurs would ease through in Dortmund, but United’s trip to France looked a lot more precarious.

Indeed, it was a test that few would have come through but then again, not everyone is managed by an ice-cool baby-faced assassin.

Solskjaer’s role in the 1999 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich has been well-documented, and you almost got a sense that if he could transfer that type of unshakable belief onto his players, we were set for a night of fireworks in Paris. Romelu Lukaku’s sliding finish into an empty net before the second minute was a sure sign that Solskjaer’s indomitable spirit had rubbed off on his squad.

You can only imagine the owners and board at Manchester United are looking on with unbridled joy at how well this has all panned out since firing Jose Mourinho. The Red Devils are worlds away from the team that parked the bus every week under the Special One and have started to look more like the Manchester United of old.

For Luke Shaw, it’s a certainty that the Norwegian will be announced as the new long-term manager, and it’s probably just a matter of time now before Solskjaer is called in to put pen to paper on a deal that will see him become United’s 23rd full-time boss.

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/ecstasy-in-paris-has-luke-sure-solskjaer-will-get-the-job/feed/0130451Roma sack Eusebio di Francesco after Porto and Lazio defeatshttps://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/roma-sack-eusebio-di-francesco-after-porto-and-lazio-defeats/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/roma-sack-eusebio-di-francesco-after-porto-and-lazio-defeats/#respondFri, 08 Mar 2019 12:44:34 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130448Roma have sacked head coach Eusebio di Francesco following Champions League last-16 defeat by Porto on Wednesday. The Italian side lost 4-3 on aggregate after an Alex Telles extra-time penalty in Portugal, having led 2-1 from the first leg. Roma are fifth in Serie A and lost 3-0 to city rivals Lazio on Saturday. Di Francesco, 49, took over in June 2017, leading Roma to last year’s Champions League semi-finals, where they were beaten by Liverpool. “On behalf of myself and everyone at AS Roma, I’d like to thank Eusebio for his work and…

]]>https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/roma-sack-eusebio-di-francesco-after-porto-and-lazio-defeats/feed/0130448PSG’s Neymar calls Manchester United VAR penalty decision ‘a disgrace’https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/psgs-neymar-calls-manchester-united-var-penalty-decision-a-disgrace/
https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2019/03/psgs-neymar-calls-manchester-united-var-penalty-decision-a-disgrace/#respondThu, 07 Mar 2019 10:13:00 +0000https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/?p=130445Neymar has called the decision to give Manchester United a late penalty against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night “a disgrace” and said that the VAR officials in charge “knew nothing about football”. The 27-year-old, who missed the tie because of injury, was incensed after officials awarded United a spot-kick for a handball by Presnel Kimpembe deep into stoppage time, which Marcus Rashford then coolly converted to send the Premier League side through to the quarter-finals. “This is a disgrace, they put four people who know nothing about football…

]]>Neymar has called the decision to give Manchester United a late penalty against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night “a disgrace” and said that the VAR officials in charge “knew nothing about football”.

The 27-year-old, who missed the tie because of injury, was incensed after officials awarded United a spot-kick for a handball by Presnel Kimpembe deep into stoppage time, which Marcus Rashford then coolly converted to send the Premier League side through to the quarter-finals.

“This is a disgrace, they put four people who know nothing about football in charge of looking at the replay for VAR,” the Brazilian wrote on Instagram.

“It’s just not possible!!! How is a guy going to hold his hand behind his back. Go fuck yourselves.”